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Westchase leader pulls off comeback

By Rodney Thrash, Times Staff Writer
In print: Friday, November 14, 2008

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WESTCHASE — A year ago, members of the homeowners association ousted Brian Ross as president.

Just 14 months later, he has pulled off a whammy of a comeback.

On Nov. 4, he defeated incumbent Anthony Sanchez to earn a spot on one of Westchase's taxing district boards.

That landslide win came on the heels of his Sept. 9 election to the Westchase Community Association board — the same board that had ousted him. Members enforce the area's deed restrictions and maintain the swim and tennis center.

Now holding positions on the association board and the Westchase Community Development District, Ross said, "I'm pleased that I have the voters' confidence. I really do believe in volunteerism."

Since 2004, no Westchase CDD race had been contested. It appeared this year would be no different.

Westchase CDD East supervisor Anthony Sanchez, whose work schedule allowed him to attend most meetings via conference call, announced in May he would not seek re-election.

That assurance — and a desire to return to community-based government — prompted Ross to enter the race unopposed on May 14.

Then on June 20, the last day for candidates to seek elected office in Hillsborough, Sanchez flip-flopped.

He said his position as chief financial officer at Ker's WingHouse in Largo was eliminated and he would be able to attend meetings in person.

That didn't strike a chord with voters. Of 2,522 votes cast, 1,699 — or 67.37 percent — went to Ross, a lawyer with 25 years of experience in real estate issues.

His first meeting as a taxing district supervisor was Tuesday. Ross said he plans to work with his colleagues and ensure that Westchase is "smart about how we expend residents' and property owners' money, and try to avoid any tax increase."

Rodney Thrash can be reached at rthrash@sptimes.com or (813) 269-5303.